Exit and Re-Entry Visa in Saudi Arabia: How to Apply

If you hold an Iqama and plan to travel outside Saudi Arabia and then return, you'll need an exit and re-entry visa. It's a routine but essential step: without a valid visa on your record, you can't leave and come back on the same residency permit. The good news is that the whole process is now electronic and can usually be completed in minutes. This سعودي ليفنج guide walks you through the types of visas, current fees, who applies, and the exact steps on أبشر and مقيم.

Types of exit and re-entry visas

There are two options, and choosing the right one depends on how often you plan to travel during the validity period.

• Single exit/re-entry visa: lets you leave and return once. Ideal for a one-off trip.
• Multiple exit/re-entry visa: lets you travel in and out several times within the validity period. Best for frequent travelers.

In both cases, the visa's validity cannot extend beyond your Iqama expiry date or other system limits, so make sure your residency is valid and has enough time left before you apply.

Fees

Fees are set according to the visa type and duration:

• Single visa: SAR 200 for up to 2 months, plus SAR 100 for each additional month.
• Multiple visa: SAR 500 for up to 3 months, plus SAR 200 for each additional month.

These are the fees in effect for 2026, with no confirmed replacement structure identified. Keep in mind that fees are generally non-refundable once the visa is issued, so double-check the type and duration before paying. For the latest amounts, always confirm on the official portal.

Eligibility requirements

Before you apply, make sure the beneficiary meets the following conditions:

• A valid Iqama and a valid passport.
• No applicable travel restrictions on record.
• No unpaid government-related requirements or obligations.
• Payment of the applicable visa fee.

If any of these aren't met, the system will typically prevent issuance until the issue is resolved.

Who applies and where

The right platform depends on the beneficiary's relationship to the applicant:

• Employees: the employer or an authorized establishment representative applies through مقيم or أبشر الأعمال (Absher Business).
• Family members or domestic workers: the sponsor applies through أبشر الأفراد (Absher Individuals).

Step-by-step on Absher

For sponsors handling their family members or domestic workers, the process on أبشر is straightforward:

• Log in using your نفاذ-linked credentials.
• Go to Services → Passports → Visa Services → Exit/Re-Entry Visa.
• Select the beneficiary you want the visa for.
• Choose between a single or multiple visa and set the duration.
• Review the fee shown before confirming.
• Pay electronically.
• Issue and download the visa.

Step-by-step on Muqeem

For employers issuing visas for staff, مقيم follows a similar flow:

• The authorized employer logs in.
• Selects the resident (employee).
• Chooses the visa type and duration.
• Pays through the available electronic payment method.
• Issues the visa.

In both systems, the visa is issued electronically and normally appears in أبشر or مقيم shortly after successful payment.

Before you travel: what to check

Once the visa is issued, take a moment to verify the key details in your record:

• The issue date.
• The validity period.
• The return deadline.

A visa holder must return to Saudi Arabia before the visa expires, unless an approved extension applies. Missing the return deadline can create complications with your residency, so plan your return with a comfortable margin.

Extending the visa from abroad

If you're already outside Saudi Arabia and need more time, an extension may be available electronically through أبشر in eligible cases. The sponsor submits the request and pays the applicable extension fee. As with the original visa, any extended validity cannot exceed the Iqama expiry date or other system limits. Because eligibility depends on your specific situation, confirm the options and fees on the official portal before relying on an extension.

Quick recap

• Pick single (one trip) or multiple (several trips) based on your plans.
• Confirm your Iqama and passport are valid and there are no restrictions.
• Employers use مقيم or أبشر الأعمال; sponsors use أبشر الأفراد.
• Pay electronically, then download and verify the visa.
• Return before the deadline, or arrange an extension if eligible.

With everything digital, an exit and re-entry visa is one of the easier residency tasks — just make sure the details are correct before you head to the airport.

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